Geomorphology is the study of the Earth's surface and the processes that shape it.
Over the years, there have been
several trends in the field of geomorphology that have influenced the way researchers approach and understand the
Earth's landforms and landscapes. These trends include cyclic, process, quantitative, and contemporary geomorphology.
1. Cyclic Geomorphology
Cyclic geomorphology is based on the idea that landforms and landscapes are continuously changing due to a cyclical
process of erosion and deposition. This trend was popularized by the works of William Morris Davis in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. Davis proposed the concept of the 'cycle of erosion,' where landforms go through a series of stages
in their development, ultimately resulting in a flat, featureless landscape. While this theory has been criticized and
revised over the years, the idea of cycles in geomorphology continues to be an important concept in understanding
landscape evolution.
2. PHYSICALLY BASED MODELS
➢ Robert Horton (1945), a hydrologist by training,developed a deterministic model of channel initiations and drainage
network development that, in start contrast to the cycle of erosion, drew upon quantitative mechanistic principles from
physics as its foundation.
➢ Although many details of the model are not supported by subsequent empirical findings, it was not the details but the
mechanistic approach that had and impacton a new generation of geomorphologists,who were beginning to seriously
question the utility the cycle of erosion.
2.process Geomorphology
Process geomorphology focuses on the study of the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface. This trend
emerged in the mid-20th century with the development of new technologies and techniques, such as remote sensing and
geographic information systems (GIS). Process geomorphologists use these tools to analyze and model natural systems
to better understand the processes at work in shaping the Earth's surface. This approach has led to significant
advancements in our understanding of landforms and landscapes, such as the role of river systems in shaping valleys
and the impact of climate change on landforms.
3. Quantitative geomorphology , EXPERIMENTATION AND DISEQUILIBRIUM
is an approach that uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze and interpret data in the field of
geomorphology. This trend emerged in the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1980s with the widespread availability of
computers and software programs. By using quantitative methods, researchers can make more precise measurements
and predictions regarding landform processes and evolution. This approach has allowed for a more rigorous and
quantitative understanding of geomorphology and has led to the development of new theories and models.
During the 1970s and 1980s geomorphology became infused with detailed field measurements of processes and
morphological attributes.
➢ Also, a gradual transition occurred from the use of statistical
models at the beginning of this period to increasing development
of mathematical physically based models toward the end.
➢ Modern geomorphology invokes theoretical principles that pervade
the hard sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
➢ This great theoretical change in geomorphology, initiated in the
1950s and 1960s, became broadly entrenched in the 1970s and
1980s.
➢ The massive sea change that swept through geomorphology after
the demise of the cycle of erosion was fulfilled during these two
decades.
DISEQUILIBRIUM
The turn toward the possibility of disequilibrim dynamic in geomorphological systems was further development of event-
based conceptual models highlighting the manner in which landscape are changed by particular formative event and how
these landscapes then recover from the influence of formative events (Wolman and Gerson,1978; Brunsden and Thornes,
1979).
EXPERIMENTATION
Experimental approaches to the evaluation of geomorphological models also began to emerge during the 1970s,
especially through the work by Stanley Schumm and his students on the dynamics of watersheds, drainage networks,
and river channels (Schumm et al., 1987).
❖ The resulting field-based information was then used
to directly evaluate the accuracy of predictions of
the theoretical model.
4. Contemporary Geomorphology
Contemporary geomorphology is a relatively new trend in the field that focuses on the study of the Earth's surface in the
present day. This approach recognizes the dynamic nature of landscapes and the impact of humans on geomorphological
processes. It incorporates elements of all the other trends mentioned above, as it seeks to understand the current state
and future changes of the Earth's surface. Contemporary geomorphologists research topics such as land use change,
urbanization, and the effects of climate change on geomorphological processes. This trend highlights the importance of
considering human impacts in understanding landscape evolution.
Since the 1990s, geomorphology has been influenced strongly by several trends:
1) an increasing concern with complexity and nonlinear
dynamics,
2) rapid advances in measurement technology,
3) increasing computational and information-processing
capabilities,
4) enhanced collaborations with other disciplines,
especially engineering and the life sciences,
5) interest in philosophical issues,
6) concern about practical aspects of human impacts of
geomorphological systems,
• SOME MAJOR BRANCHES OF CONTEMPORARY
GEOMORPHOLOGY:.
1. Climatic Geomorphology.
2. Biogeomorphology
3. Tectonic Geomorphology
4. Terrestrial Geomorphology
5. Archaeo-Geomorphology
6. Geomorphosites/Geo-heritage sites
7. Environmental Geomorphology
8. Anthropogenic Geomorphology
9. River Health
10.Connectivity in Geomorphology
11. Virtual Geomorphology
